Mark Scott’s sharp direction has every aspect fine-tuned to perfection – the costumes, the sets, the timing, and the magnificent cast who act, sing, and especially dance as you’d expect for one of Julian Marsh’s Broadway shows. A natural actor with strong vocals, Jacob Silva shines as Julian Marsh himself – the charismatic and determined director who knows what it takes to get a hit show produced, but who faces quite a few challenges on this one. Most of those challenges revolve around prima donna star Dorothy Brock (Caitlyn Schock) whose bad attitude is a hindrance, but whose talent is immense, and whose old-but-rich Texas boyfriend is bankrolling the show. Problem is – she is actually in love with someone else – an old flame who could douse the show’s bankroll if Tex finds out. Caitlyn perfectly and amusingly portrays the disdain, boredom, and general prima donna-ness of Dorothy without ever overplaying the role, while completely dropping the prima donna image when revealing her deep love for Pat (Andrew Guerrero) and when performing in a real performance – the beginning of the 42^nd Street song beautifully sung before an injury sidelines her and Allentown has to step in. Peggy “Allentown” Sawyer is performed by Whitney Fortmueller – a dancing dynamo who nails the big title number and fills the role with enthusiasm, energy, optimism, and a grin that seems to win everyone over with the possible exception of Dorothy Brock.

The rest of the cast includes so many standouts including Kristen Hammel as a hilarious Maggie, one of the playwrights who has some of the best lines in the show and can also sing and dance up a storm. Michelle Wadleigh is a hoot as “Anytime Annie,” the animated leader of a group of tapping chorus girls who take Peggy under their wings. Billy Lawlor (Noah Fish), who romances Peggy and helps get her in the show, is also one of the outstanding lead dancers – a remarkable accomplishment considering he just learned to tap for this show.

Rob Hopper
San Diego Playbill